CN101835511B

CN101835511B - Filtering face-piece respirator support structure that has living hinges

Info

Publication number: CN101835511B
Application number: CN2008801123641A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 约纳斯·加布雷沃尔德; 托马斯·G·斯库雷; 埃里克·J·约翰逊; 兰斯·E·贝伊枚尔; 德韦恩·D·道高; 丹尼尔·J·斯特潘; 菲利普·G·马丁
Original assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co
Current assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co
Priority date: 2007-09-20
Filing date: 2008-08-27
Publication date: 2012-07-04
Anticipated expiration: 2028-08-27
Also published as: KR101455438B1; AU2008302619B2; BRPI0815952A2; EP2200705A1; AU2008302619A1; EP2200705A4; MX2010002889A; RU2415687C1; US20090078262A1; WO2009038934A1; JP5345147B2; US8118026B2; JP2010540027A; CN101835511A; JP2013173042A; KR20100084158A

Abstract

A filtering face-piece respirator 10 that comprises a harness 14 and a mask body 12. The mask body 16 includes a filtering structure 18 and a support structure 16. The 5 support structure 16 has first and second opposing side portions 22, 24 that each include a living hinge 44. The use of living hinges allows the mask body to respond dynamically to wearer jaw movement.

Description

Filtering face-piece respirator support structure with movable hinge

The present invention relates to have the respirator of mask body, wherein mask body includes movable hinge on each side of its supporting structure.Movable hinge makes the respirator mask main body can adapt to wearer jaw movement better.Movable hinge can also make single mask body can adapt to various face size better.

Background technology

Respirator is worn on the top of user's respiratory tract usually, and to realize at least one in two common purposes: (1) prevents that impurity or pollutant from getting into wearer's respiratory tract; (2) protect other people or thing not to contact pathogen and other pollutants that the wearer breathes out.Under first kind of situation, in air, exist in the environment of the particle that the wearer is harmful to and wear respirator, for example body of a motor car repair shop.Under second kind of situation, in the environment that possibly pollute, wear respirator, for example operating room or toilet to other people or thing.

Some respirators are classified as " filtering face ", because mask body self is as filter mechanism.With combine attachable filter cylinder (referring to, for example authorize people's such as Yuschak United States Patent (USP) RE39,493) or inserts molding filter element (referring to; For example authorize the United States Patent (USP) 4 of Braun; 790,306), use the respirator of rubber or elastomer face shield main body different; Filtering face-piece respirator has the most filter medium of the mask body of formation itself, makes to there is no need to install or change filter cylinder.Therefore, filtering face-piece respirator weight is relatively light and be easy to use.

Filtering face-piece respirator belongs to a type of following two types of respirators usually, i.e. fold-flat respirator and shaping respirator.The fold-flat respirator is set level and is deposited, but it comprises seam, pleat crape and/or folding line, makes mask body after opening, be the cup-like configuration that is fit to use.The example of fold-flat filtering face-piece respirator is shown in the United States Patent (USP) 6,568,392 and 6,484 of authorizing people such as Bostock, and 722 and authorize in the United States Patent (USP) 6,394,090 of Chen.

By contrast, the shaping respirator almost is configured as required face applying configuration by permanent, and between storage and operating period, keeps this configuration usually.The shaping filtering face-piece respirator generally includes molded supporting shell mechanism (being commonly called " layer is shaped "), and this structure is generally processed by heat-bondable fibre or porous plastics net.The layer that is shaped mainly is configured to filter course provides supporting.With respect to filter course, the layer that is shaped can be present on the inside of face shield (near wearer's face), perhaps can be present on the outside of face shield, or be present in simultaneously inside and outside on.The patent example that discloses the shaping layer of supporting filter layer comprises the United States Patent (USP) 4,536,440 of authorizing Berg, authorize people's such as Dyrud United States Patent (USP) 4,807,619 and the United States Patent (USP) 4,850,347 of authorizing Skov.

When being configured to be shaped the mask body of respirator, usually with filter course with respect at least one layer and putting of being shaped, and let assembled layers stand molded operation; Method be for example assembled layers is placed between the male mold part and female die member of heating (referring to, for example authorize the United States Patent (USP) 4,536 of Berg; 440); Or make the layer that is in overlaying relation through heating station and the shape that subsequently the superimposed layer cold moulding become face shield (referring to the United States Patent (USP) of authorizing people such as Kronzer 5,307,796 and the United States Patent (USP) 4 of authorizing Skov; 850,347).

In known shaping filtering face-piece respirator, no matter be to dress up mask body through above-mentioned any technology groups, filter course generally all is connected to the layer that is shaped through the entangled fiber at the interface between layer or through fiber being adhered to the layer that is shaped.As other a kind of selection, can use suitable bonding (referring to the United States Patent (USP) 6,923,182 and 6,041 of authorizing people such as Angadjivand, 782) that filter course is adhered on the total inner surface of the layer shell that be shaped.Can also be at the known filtering face-piece respirator of the welded of mask body, so that assembled layers is combined.

Summary of the invention

As stated, the technical staff in design filtering face-piece respirator field has developed the several different methods of supporting filter layer in the mask body that is shaped.Yet the mask body of design is generally the non-dynamic structure that can't adapt to the motion of wearer's jaw portion at present.Respirator wearer need be talked with its colleague when work usually.The jaw portion motion that when talk, takes place can cause mask body on wearer's face, to be subjected to displacement.When respirator on the wearer's face when its desired location is subjected to displacement, possibly be that contaminated air filtered ground gets into the facepiece interior create openings.In addition, open jaw portion and tend to mask body, thereby clamp nose to drop-down.Therefore, the non-dynamic structure of conventional respirator possibly produce discomfort to the wearer.

The invention solves following demand: the filtering face-piece respirator of a kind of wearer's of adaptation jaw portion motion is provided, makes respirator in talk, can keep to the suitable and comfortable applying of wearer's face.For this reason, the invention provides a kind of filtering face-piece respirator, it comprises: (a) band tool; (b) mask body, it comprises: (i) filter course; (ii) have the supporting structure of the first and second relative sidepieces, each sidepiece all has movable hinge.

As stated, the mask body of conventional filtration formula face-piece respirator uses usually and comprises that the non-woven webs of heat-bondable fibre or the supporting structure of porous plastics net come the supporting filter layer.These conventional supporting structures can't the dynamic response wearer jaw movement.Application activity hinge in filtering face-piece respirator support structure makes supporting structure can adapt to wearer jaw movement better.The ability that adapts to the motion of wearer's jaw portion according to the present invention can make mask body can on wearer's face, keep its desired location in use better.The application of movable hinge can also make a respirator can be fit to wider facial size, and can alleviate the clamping behavior of respirator to nose.

Nomenclature

Term shown in the hereinafter has following defined implication:

" to dividing " is meant and is divided into two basic parts that equate;

When " center line " is meant from top view vertically to the line (Fig. 7) of minute face shield;

It is obviously separated from one another to the line or the plane of minute mask body when " central strip " is meant from top view along vertically;

" comprise " and be meant its standard definition in patent term, be usually with the open-ended term of " comprising ", " having " or " containing " synonym.Though " comprise ", " comprising ", " having " and " containing " and they be deformed into open-ended term commonly used; But the present invention can also use the term of sealing to come suitably to describe; For example " basically by ... form "; It is the semi open model term, and those possibly have the thing or the element of illeffects to the performance of respirator of the present invention when being used for its function that will reach because it is only got rid of;

" pure air " the atmospheric environment air of certain volume of pollutant that has been meant filtering;

" pollutant " is meant particle (comprising dust, mist and smog) and/or can not be regarded as particle usually but can be suspended in other materials (for example organic vapor etc.) in the air (comprising the gas in the exhaled air flow);

" across dimension " is when from the top view respirator, the dimension from a side to the opposite side horizontal expansion on whole respirator;

" exterior gas space " is meant that the gas of exhalation is passing and leaving the ambient air space that gets into behind mask body and/or the outlet valve;

" filtering face " is meant that mask body self is designed to filter the air through it; Do not exist and be connected on the mask body or be molded as discernible filter cylinder of independence or the inserts molding filter element that mask body is realized this purpose;

" filter " or " filter course " is meant one or more breathable material layers, and said layer mainly is applicable to from the air stream through it removes pollutant (for example particle);

" filtration " is meant the structure that is designed to be mainly used in filtered air;

" first side " is meant a zone of mask body, this zone in the horizontal away from vertically to the plane of minute respirator, and when putting on respirator, be positioned at wearer's cheek and/or jaw zone;

" band tool " is meant that help is bearing in structure or unit construction on the wearer's face with mask body;

" impede motion " is meant when being exposed to the power that under regular service conditions, exists, obstruction, restriction or retardation motion;

" in aggregates " is meant the parts of processing simultaneously as parts, rather than two independent parts of making that are bonded together subsequently;

" gas space " is meant the space between mask body and the human face;

" line of demarcation " is meant broken line, seam, bonding wire, tack line, suture, hingeline and/or its combination in any;

" movable hinge " is meant and allows member from its whole extension,, under regular service conditions, can avoid like this member or hinge joint are caused damage substantially around the mechanism of its pivot with rotation mode;

" can vertically move " and be meant and to respond small finger pressure and vertically moving;

" mask body " is meant ventilative structure, and it is designed to be fitted on people's the nose and mouth, and helps to limit the gas space of separating with exterior gas space;

" member " is meant when relating to supporting structure can be individually and the solid components of identification easily, and its size should significantly help the total structure and the configuration of supporting structure;

" periphery " is meant the outward flange of mask body, and when someone puts on respirator, this outward flange will be close to wearer's face setting usually;

" pleat crape " is meant and is designed to self backfolding part;

" pleating " is meant that self is folded back;

" polymer " and " plastics " is meant that all material mainly comprises one or more polymer, and also can comprise other compositions;

" a plurality of " are meant two or more;

" respirator " thus being meant to be worn to the wearer by personnel provides clean air for the air filter of breathing;

" second side " is meant a zone of mask body, and to the planar line (second side is relative with first side) of minute face shield, and it is regional when putting on respirator, to be positioned at wearer's cheek and/or jaw away from vertically in this zone;

" supporting structure " represented a kind of structure, and it is designed under normal process, have enough structural intergrities keeping its required shape, and helps to keep the anticipated shape by the filtration of its supporting;

" at interval " expression physical separation, or have betwixt to find range and leave;

" horizontal expansion " expression is extended on across dimension usually;

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 shows the front perspective view according to filtering face-piece respirator 10 of the present invention that is worn on the human face;

Fig. 2 a shows the side view according to mask body 12 of the present invention, and the horizontal expansion member 26 that wherein can vertically move is positioned near the member 28 with non-extended configuration;

Fig. 2 b shows mask body 12, and the horizontal expansion member 26 that wherein can vertically move separates with member 28, so that mask body is in open extended configuration;

Fig. 3 is the cutaway view along the filtration 18 of the line 3-3 intercepting of Fig. 2 b;

Fig. 4 is the perspective view of filtration 18;

Fig. 5 is the side view of the alternate embodiment of movable hinge 64a, 64b, and movable hinge can be used in the supporting structure 16 ' to allow

member

26,28,40,46,48 and 50 to rotate;

Fig. 5 E1 is the zoomed-in view of the interior zone of dotted line circle 5E1 among Fig. 5;

Fig. 5 E2 to 5E5 shows the alternate embodiment of the movable hinge that can be used in combination with the present invention;

Fig. 6 a and Fig. 6 b are respirator 10 " the side view of another embodiment, this respirator has various bearing structure 16 " and comprises nose clip 72 and outlet valve 74;

Fig. 7 is the front view of mask body 12, shows the film band 76 that can be fixed on the mask body, is vertically stretching on the dimension in test process, to assist mask body 12;

Fig. 8 is the plane of blank, and this blank is used to form according to multiple filtration structure 18 of the present invention (Fig. 4);

Fig. 9 is filtering face-piece respirator of the present invention and the elongation strain of Moldex 2200 filtering face-piece respirators and the curve map of load; And

Figure 10 is for separating in the mask body of the present invention the required power of two adjacent horizontal expansion members and the curve map of fore-and-aft distance.

The specific embodiment

When embodiment of the present invention, filtering face-piece respirator is provided, it has movable hinge on the opposite side of mask body, make mask body can cooperate the motion of people's jaw portion and stretch and shrink.At work, the workman needs to exchange each other often.Yet conventional filtering face-piece respirator does not use the mask body that can cooperate wearer jaw movement and obvious dynamic motion takes place.Therefore, when the wearer spoke, conventional respirator showed the possibility that on wearer's face, is subjected to displacement.When jaw portion moved down, the nose of respirator was by drop-down, thereby was pressed on wearer's the nose.The present invention solves these drawbacks through one or more movable hinges are provided on each side of mask body.In one embodiment, when the wearer who has on breathing mask opened one's mouth or shuts up, hinge made mask body extending longitudinally and contraction as the case may be.

Fig. 1 shows the shaping filtering face-piece respirator 10 that is worn on people's nose and mouth top.Respirator 10 comprises mask body 12 and band tool 14.Mask body 12 has supporting structure 16 and filtration 18.Supporting structure 16 comprises surrounding member 20, first side 22 and second side surface opposite 24.When putting on respirator 10, the face that the surrounding member 20 of supporting structure 16 can (but needn't necessarily) contact wearer.Surrounding member 20 can have around and extend continuously 360 ° the member or the combination of member near the periphery of mask body 12.Periphery 20 can also be segmentation or discontinuous.Usually, wearer's face is only understood the inner surface or the periphery of contact filtration structure 18 (or additional face seal material), thereby realizes comfortable applying.Therefore, the periphery edge of filtration 18 can extend the periphery 20 of supporting structure 16 slightly.Supporting structure 16 also comprises the horizontal expansion member 26 that can vertically move.The horizontal expansion member 26 that this can vertically move extends to second side 24 from first side 22 of mask body 12, and is not bonded together between

side

22 and 24 through any longitudinal extension member that possibly hinder 26 lengthwise movements of horizontal expansion member.That is to say, do not have the structural member that member 26 is connected to member 28, when the wearer opens jaw portion or mouth, if exist this structural member to remove from member 28 by limiting member 26.Advantageously particularly outstanding along center line 29 according to the lengthwise movement of illustrated embodiment realization.When respirator being projected the plane and observes from the front, laterally be meant with common " x " direction and cross the direction that respirator extends, vertically be meant the dimension of between the bottom of respirator 10 and top, extending with common " y " direction.When observing through this type of plane projection, member 28 shifted to and left to horizontal expansion member 26 can on " y " direction of principal axis usually.Thus, for the distance that member 28 was shifted to and left to member 26, bigger at

first side

22 and 24 places, second side that the horizontal expansion member merges to together along center line 29 ratios.Band tool 14 comprises that can regulate first of length through one or more clasps 34 is with 30 and second to be with 32.Band tool 14 can be fixed on the mask body 12 at band tool holding flange member 35a, the 35b place of first side 22 and second side 24.Can at

flange member

35a, 35b place clasp 34 be fixed on the mask body 12 through the several different methods that comprises stitching, binding agent bonding, welding etc.Clasp can also be molded in the supporting structure 16 integratedly; Be called the U.S. Patent application No.90/974 of Filtering Face-Piece Respirator Having Buckles Integral to theMask Body Support Structure (having filtering face-piece respirator), 031 (attorney docket 63355US002) referring to the name of submitting on the same day with present patent application with mask body clasp in aggregates.Mask body 12 also comprises the optional framework 36 that wherein is provided with opening 38.Framework 36 provides position or the pedestal that the outlet valve (not shown) is fixed to mask body 12.Though

horizontal expansion member

28 and 40 joins to together through the longitudinal extension member 37 on the framework 36, mask body 12 still can through

member

26 and 28 and other members that are not engaged with each other like this between move relative to freely and stretch.Therefore, one or more members (2,3,4,5 etc.) can have toward each other or the opposing ability that vertically moves.Have one or more horizontal expansion members that vertically move and be shown in the U.S. Patent application No.90/974 that the name of submitting on the same day with present patent application is called Filtering Face-PieceRespirator That Has Expandable Mask Body (filtering face-piece respirator with extensible mask body), 025 (attorney docket 63165US002).

The outlet valve that can be fixed on the supporting structure 16 at framework 36 places can have the check valve structure that is similar to described in the following patent: authorize people's such as Martin United States Patent (USP) 7,188,622,7,028,689 and 7,013,895; Authorize people's such as Japuntich 7,117,868,6,854,463,6,843,248 and 5,325,892; Authorize people's such as Mittelstadt 6,883,518; And the RE37 that authorizes Bowers, 974.Can outlet valve be fixed on the framework 36 through several different methods, these methods comprise ultrasonic bonding, binding agent bonding, mechanical grip etc.Valve seat can be designed to include and pass opening 38 and itself fold back the cylinder that is clamping relation with framework 36, authorizes people's such as Curran United States Patent (USP) 7,069 referring to (for example); 931,7,007,695,6; 959,709 and 6,604; 524 and the European patent EP 1,030,721 of authorizing people such as Williams.Also can valve gap be attached on the valve seat to form the chamber that surrounds the valve barrier film.The example of valve gap design is shown in the United States Patent (USP) Des.347 that authorizes people such as Japuntich, 298 with the United States Patent (USP) Des.347 that authorizes people such as Bryant, 299.

Fig. 2 a shows 12 side view, wherein

horizontal expansion member

26 and 28 be configured to adjacent one another are, make filtration 18 in can playing pleat district 42 in the two formation pleat crape.The supporting structure 16 of mask body 12 comprises the movable hinge 44 that is arranged in the zone that removable horizontal expansion member 26 and member 28 meet.Movable hinge 44 make

horizontal expansion member

26 and 28 can be more easily toward each other or opposing motion.As shown in the figure, movable hinge 44 can be pouch shape.Different with traditional hinge, movable hinge often have from wherein extend into and with the some member in aggregates that rotates usually.Therefore, movable hinge possibly stand slight bending or stress and/or strain on movable member and/or hinge joint, and however, movable hinge still can bear this stress and/or strain during its expected service life.When face shield main body 12 is observed shown in Fig. 2 a and Fig. 2 b and during with vertical configuration orientation from the side, movable hinge 44 can on " y " dimension between top band tool flange connector 35a and bottom band tool flange connector 35b.When putting on respirator, between the point (being positioned at

flange

35a and 35b place in this example) of band tool 14 (Fig. 1) the mask main body application of force, one, two, three or more a plurality of movable hinge can be set.Also there are other

horizontal expansion members

46,48,49 and 50, do not have the longitudinal extension member between them in the zone outside each side 22 or 24.Therefore; Though horizontal expansion member 46 and 48 (for example) can vertically move to allow mask body 12 to stretch or shrink on the dimension; But these members cannot move freely as member 26, are not positioned at their movable hinges of pouch shape at first lateral parts 22 and second lateral parts, 24 joints because the former does not have.Therefore, though only show a sort of activity hinge 44 at each end of

horizontal expansion member

26,28,46,48,49 and 50, the present invention has also imagined use sort of activity hinge between additional horizontal expansion member really.Movable hinge can be used on the place that the horizontal expansion member meets.Preferred do not exist any be attached to be intended to vertically on toward each other or the longitudinal extension member of opposing mobile horizontal expansion member.

Fig. 2 b shows and can play the mask body 12 that pleat district 42 is in extended configuration.In this configuration, horizontal expansion member 26 and 28 with near maximum distance each other central strip open.The mask body configuration of Fig. 2 a and the configuration of Fig. 2 b are compared, and obviously, mask body 12 of the present invention has the ability that plays a role with the mode that is similar to accordion can playing pleat district 42.As stated, this ability is particularly advantageous in and adapts to the facial jaw portion motion of all size.Can filtration 18 be connected on the supporting structure 16 of mask body 12 at a plurality of contact points.Along the periphery 20 of supporting structure and/or can form this at horizontal expansion member 26,28,40,46,48,49 and 50 with each position that filtration 18 meets and be connected.Can supporting structure 16 and filtration 18 be secured together through several different methods, these methods comprise binding agent bonding, welding, Overmolded etc.Interim engaging mechanism can also be used, supporting structure 16 can be reused when filtering when structure 18 reaches its service life like this.In the case, the replaceable filtration 18 of wearer and keep supporting structure 16 is so that filter only need abandon filtration 18 when reaching its service life.One or more in the horizontal expansion member preferably can respond merely from the pressure of finger and vertically move.That is to say, only through vertically promoting the horizontal expansion member, just can be easily with its deflection.Horizontal expansion member mobile test (TEMMT) hereinafter described will prove further that the horizontal expansion member can be by the ability of deflection easily like this.In this test down, when standing to be merely the power of 0.2N, mobile more than the 5mm just can take place in one or more in the horizontal expansion member.More preferably, under TEMMT, when standing to be merely the power of 0.3N, moving of 10mm at least can take place in one or more horizontal expansion members.The horizontal expansion member that can vertically move can will be bigger than the distance that moves in the side 22 and 24 of mask body along the mobile distance of center line 29 (Fig. 1).Usually; When being merely about 0.7N or littler power and carrying out the mobile test of horizontal expansion member; In the horizontal expansion member of central strip at least one can vertically move at center line 29 places about 5,10,15,20 or even the distance of 35mm, and can not cause significant structural damage to horizontal expansion member or movable hinge.Usually, when according to method hereinafter described respirator being carried out respirator and stretches test, mask body can stretch about at most 20 to 35mm (or 30% vertically) and can not cause damage to it in centerline.

Can make supporting structure through known technologies such as injection moldings.Can use known plastics to make supporting structure, for example alkene comprises polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene and gathers methyl (amylene); Plastic body; Thermoplastic; Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE); And their mixture or combination.Can also in the composition that forms supporting structure, add additive, for example pigment, UV stabilizing agent, anticaking agent, nucleator, fungicide and bactericide.Used plastics preferably can demonstrate flexibility, shape memory and counter-bending fatigability, so that supporting structure can repeatedly be out of shape (promptly greater than 100 times), especially at any pivot point place, and can get back to its initial position.Selected plastics should be able to stand distortion many times, make supporting structure have the service life longer than filtration.The material that supporting structure is selected for use can be that bending break stiffness is about 75 to 300 MPas (MPa), is more typically about 100 to 250MPa and also typically be about plastics of 175 to 225MPa.Though can use metal or ceramic material to replace plastics to construct supporting structure, the reason of starting from processing/cost is plastics preferably.Supporting structure be not with the parts or the assembly of filtration (or simultaneously form) in aggregates.The size of supporting structure spare is usually greater than filtration used fiber or filament.When cross section was observed, these members can be rectangle, circle, triangle, ellipse, trapezoidal etc.

Fig. 3 shows the cross section of filtration 18.As shown in the figure, filtration 18 can comprise one or more nerve of a

covering

51a and 51b and filter course 52.Nerve of a

covering

51a and 51b can be positioned on the opposite face of filter course 52, to capture any fiber that possibly come loose from filter course.In general, nerve of a

covering

51a and 51b are processed by the selected fiber with comfort, especially on filtration 18 and one side that wearer's face contacts.Can combine the multiple filter course of supporting structure use of the present invention and the structure of nerve of a covering will be described in more detail below.

Fig. 4 shows the perspective view of filtration 18, and this structure can comprise the first line of demarcation 53a and the second line of demarcation 53b of horizontal expansion.These lines of demarcation 53a, 53b can be in the bigger distances of filtration 18 middle part each intervals, but can be towards the side 54 and 56 laterally move and assemble each other.Line of demarcation 53a, 53b can comprise broken line, bonding wire, suture, tack line, hinge or their combination.In general, when the filtration structure was attached on the supporting structure, the first line of demarcation 53a and the second line of demarcation 53b were corresponding to the position of some horizontal expansion member on the supporting structure.When the first line of demarcation 53a and the second line of demarcation 53b limit the pleat crape 58 that can form betwixt; Preferably the first line of demarcation 53a and the second line of demarcation 53b are fixed on the horizontal expansion member 26 and 28 that can vertically move, thereby allow filtration around the pleat crape 58 that is positioned between these members, to open and close with the mode that is similar to accordion.Filtration 18 also comprises vertical line of demarcation 60 usually, and it can be positioned at the nasal region of filtration.This vertical orientated line of demarcation 60 possibly be that the method for manufacturing filtration 18 is caused.In general, this line of demarcation is used to remove excess stock, otherwise excess stock will be deposited in the nasal region in manufacture process.The chin part 62 of filtration 18 also can comprise similarly vertical line of demarcation usually.Though shown filtration 18 only has two horizontal expansion line of demarcation 53a, the 53b that limits single pleat crape 58, filtration 18 can comprise two or more this type of pleat crapes on across dimension.Therefore, can have a plurality of pleat crapes (3,4,5 etc.), wherein filtration is extensible follows stretching, extension (Fig. 2 a and Fig. 2 b) with what adapt to supporting structure 16.Under this type of situation, preferably be provided at the supporting structure that all has a plurality of movable hinges on each side of supporting structure.For improving fitness and wearer's comfort level, can the facial seal of elastomer be fixed to the periphery 63 of filtration 18.When putting on respirator, this type of face seal can extend radially inwardly the face with the contact wearer.Face seal can be processed by thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).The example of face seal at the United States Patent (USP) 6,568,392 of authorizing people such as Bostock, authorize people's such as Springett United States Patent (USP) 5,617; 849 with the United States Patent (USP) 4,600,002 of authorizing people such as Maryyanek; And authorize in the Canadian Patent 1,296,487 of Yard and describe to some extent.But further specifying of the pleat crape filtration that combining movement formula supporting structure uses is found in the U.S. Patent application No.60/974 that the name of submitting on the same day with present patent application is called " Respirator Having Dynamic Support Structure And PleatedFiltering Structure " (respirator with dynamic support structure and pleat crape filtration), 022 (attorney docket 63166US002).

Filtration can adopt multiple different shape and configuration.Preferably, the adjustment filtration is fitted on the supporting structure or in the supporting structure it validly.In general, the shape of filtration and configuration are corresponding to the general shape of supporting structure.Filtration can inwardly radially be provided with from supporting structure, and it can also be provided with from the supporting structure outward radial, or it can be arranged between a plurality of members that constitute supporting structure.Though shown filtration of the present invention 18 has the multilayer that comprises filter course 52 and nerve of a

covering

51a, 51b, filtration can only have the combination of filter course or filter course.For example, can the pre-filtering layer be set at the upper reaches of more selected downstream filter layer.In addition, can be with being arranged on such as sorbing materials such as active carbons between the fiber and/or multilayer that constitutes filtration.And, also can combine adsorption layer to use on independent micro particle filtering layer, so that the filtration to particulate and steam to be provided.Hereinafter provides the relevant further detailed description that is present in the filter course in the filtration.

Fig. 5 shows the embodiment of supporting structure 16 ', and it has a plurality of movable hinge 64a and 64b, and wherein each movable hinge all has roughly U-shaped configuration.Movable hinge 64a has similar structure, and the relatively easy rotation around the hinge central point can be provided.As shown in the figure, movable hinge 64a has minimum width, and has horizontal expansion member 26,28,46 and 50, and these members are apart not far at the point that they and each hinge 64a meet.Therefore, horizontal expansion member 26,28,46 and 50 can be through minimum power toward each other or opposing motion.When stretching according to hereinafter described respirator when testing, combine the movable hinge of the present invention's use that the respirator mask main body is demonstrated when 30% stretching stretching, extension, to have less than about 8 newton (N), 7N and even less than the peak load of 6N.When test under same test, respirator of the present invention also shows less than 8%, 7% and even less than 6% average leg.Movable hinge 64b as shown in the figure is often wideer than hinge 64a, and between horizontal expansion member 28,40,48 and 49, has bigger interval.Therefore, though these hinges can provide the rotation of horizontal expansion member, needing relatively, bigger power just can make horizontal expansion member 28,40,48 and 49 be separated from each other.Because wearer jaw movement generally is greater than the influence to the first half to the influence of respirator Lower Half, therefore the position of movable hinge is preferably such that the horizontal expansion member is arranged on the Lower Half of face shield, more easily to move.The thickness of the horizontal expansion member of supporting structure can be more typically about 1 to 3mm for about 0.25 to 5mm, and cross-sectional area can be for about 2 to 12mm ², typically be about 4 to 8mm ²The thickness of band tool flange 35a, 35b typically can be for about 2 to 4mm.

Fig. 5 E is the expansion view of the annular region 5E of Fig. 5.Shown in Fig. 5 E, movable hinge can be U-shaped, and can comprise summit 63 and base portion 65.Beeline between hinge summit 63 and the hinge base portion 65 is represented with width W.Summit 63 is typically limited the curvature with about 0.5 to 10mm (being more typically about 1 to 4mm) radius.The width W of movable hinge typically is about 0.3 to 5mm, is more typically about 0.5 to 2.5mm.

Comings and goings hinge configuration is shown among Fig. 5 E2 to 5E5.As shown in the figure, movable hinge can have generally'S '-shaped configuration, W shape configuration or other suitable configuration.Movable hinge need not have a connection between each member of its extension.Fig. 5 E2 shows each member with 5E3 all has a movable hinge that is connected, and Fig. 5 E4 and 5E5 show one or whole two a plurality of tie points from the member of its extension.Obviously, but several different methods tectonic activity hinge is arranged according to the present invention.Therefore, the present invention dreams up several different methods and realizes moving around the rotary of hinge, makes mask body to stretch or to shrink to adapt to wearer jaw movement etc.

Fig. 6 a and Fig. 6 b show breathing mask 10 " another embodiment.Shown in present embodiment, supporting structure 16 " nose 66 can have more open configuration so that the wearer is after putting on face shield, this facial zone is more nice and cool.Therefore, supporting structure 16 " is not to be fully solid in this zone, but has the opening 67 that is limited horizontal expansion member 68 and 70.Opening 67 makes 72 couples of users of nose clip visible, and is easy to touch so that regulate.Nose clip 72 makes filtration 18 can be fit to the size and the shape of wearer's nose.Nose clip 72 can be processed by the ductile metal bar, for example at the United States Patent (USP) of authorizing Castiglione 5,558,089 and Des.412, described in 573.Nose clip can also be taked the form of spring-loaded folder, as authorizes described in people's such as Xue the U.S. Patent Publication 2007-0044803A1, maybe can be the ductility plastics, as authorizes described in people's such as Kalatoor the U.S. Patent Publication 2007-0068529A1.Embodiment shown in Fig. 6 a and Fig. 6 b also shows " the outlet valve 74 between the

upper member

28 and 40 that is arranged on mask body 16.

The supporting structure that is used for mask body of the present invention can also use extension to construct from the not isomorphism type member of the horizontal expansion member of movable hinge or negligible amounts, and if do not need outlet valve, then can not use framework (36, Fig. 1).Extension can be the form of net sheet or netted or other Open architecture from the member of movable hinge.As shown in the figure, member can be the relatively thin member of structure, and this member does not significantly hinder air-flow to pass mask body.Preferably, the horizontal expansion member that exists at least one to vertically move with respect to another horizontal expansion member comprises the horizontal expansion member that limits periphery.Have the supporting structure that comprises a plurality of horizontal expansion members though the present invention is shown in its each embodiment, can mask designs become to make supporting structure only comprise peripheral horizontal expansion member 49 or 70 and 50.When extend member from movable hinge be mask body only surrounding member is arranged the time, possibly only a movable hinge need only be set on each side of mask body.In this type of embodiment, maybe be advantageously filtration be designed to make and keeps its cup-like configuration and do not need other horizontal expansion member to support.In this type of embodiment, filtration can comprise one or more hardened layers that this type of cup-like configuration is maintained.As other a kind of selection, filtration can have one or more level and/or the vertical line of demarcation that help its structural intergrity and assist to keep cup-like configuration.

The filtration that is used for mask body of the present invention can be granule capturing type filter or gas and steam type structure of filter.Filtration also can be transferred to the barrier layer of opposite side from a side of filter course for preventing liquid, to prevent (for example) liquid aersol or liquid splash permeatable filter layer.According to application demand, can use the similar or not similar filter medium of multilayer, to construct filtration of the present invention.The filter that can be in layered mask body of the present invention advantageously utilizes has low pressure drop (for example under the face velocity of 13.8 centimeters per seconds less than about 195 to 295 Pascals) in general, to minimize the respiratory work amount of face mask wearer.In addition, filter course makes them under the service condition of expection, generally all can keep its structure for flexible and have enough shearing strengths.The example of particle catcher/filter comprises one or more fine inorganic fibers (for example glass fibre) net or polymer synthetic fiber net.Plastic wire can comprise the polymer microfibers of the electret charged of processing through the for example molten method of blowing.The polyolefin microfibre that is formed by the polypropylene that has charged is particularly useful for the granule capturing application.The filter course that substitutes can have and is used for removing harmfulness or the absorbent component of flavor gas being arranged from breathe air.Adsorbent can comprise through binding agent, adhesive or fibre structure and is bonded at powder or particle in the filter course, referring to the United States Patent (USP) of authorizing Braun 3,971,373.Adsorbent layer can form through coated substrate (for example fiber or reticulated polymer foam), to form thin adhesion layer.Sorbent material can comprise process or not pass through chemically treated active carbon, Woelm Alumina-SiO 2 catalyst substrate and aluminium oxide particles.The example that can be adapted to the adsorptivity filtration of various structures is described in the United States Patent (USP) 6,391,429 of authorizing people such as Senkus to some extent.

Filter course is usually through selecting realizing required filter effect, and in general, from the air-flow by its process, removes a high proportion of particle and/or other pollutants.For fibrous filter layer, select fiber according to the substance classes that will filter out, and usually fiber is selected to make that they are not bonded together in molded operation.As stated, filter course can be multiple shape and form, and has the thickness to 1 centimetre of (cm) (being more typically about 0.3mm to 0.5cm) for about 0.2 millimeter (mm) usually; It can be for roughly becoming the net on plane, perhaps can for corrugated so that the surface area of increase to be provided, authorize people's such as Braun United States Patent (USP) 5 referring to (for example); 804; 295 and 5,656,368.Filter course can also comprise through adhesive or any other method and joins a plurality of filter courses together to.All suitable materials basically that known (or exploitation afterwards) is used to form filter course all can be used for filtering material of the present invention.The melt blown fiber net; For example at the Superfine Thermoplastic of Wente, Van A. Fibers, 48 Indus.Engn.Chem. (superfine thermoplastic fibre, industry and engineering chemistry); Described in (1956) such as the 1342nd page and continued page; Be especially available (authorizing people's such as Kubik United States Patent(USP) No. 4,215,682 referring to (for example)) so that forever the form of charged (electret) exists particularly.These melt blown fibers can for effective fiber diameter less than about 20 microns (μ m) (being called BMF, i.e. the abbreviation of " blowing microfibre "), typically be the microfibre of about 1 to 12 μ m.Can be according to Davies, C.N., " TheSeparation Of Airborne Dust Particles ", Institution OfMechanical Engineers; London, Proceedings 1B, 1952 (Davies; C.N., the separation of empty floating dust grain, Institution Of Mechanical Engineers; London, collection of thesis 1B, nineteen fifty-two) confirm effective fibre diameter.Particularly preferably be and comprise by polypropylene, gather (4-methyl-1-pentene) and the BMF net of the fiber that is combined to form.Like United States Patent (USP) Re.31 at van Turnhout; Instruct in 285; Charged fibrillated film fibre also can be for suitable, and rosin-fiber fleece web and glass fiber mesh or solution blowing net or electrostatic spraying fleece, particularly with the form of mems thin film.As authorize people such as Eitzman United States Patent (USP) 6,824,718, authorize people's such as Angadjivand United States Patent (USP) 6,783; 574, authorize people such as Insley United States Patent (USP) 6,743,464, authorize people's such as Eitzman United States Patent (USP) 6,454; 986 and 6,406,657 and the United States Patent (USP) 6,375 of authorizing people such as Angadjivand; 886 and 5,496,507 disclosed that kind can let the fiber contact with water give fiber with electric charge.As United States Patent (USP) 4,588, the 537 disclosed that kind of authorizing people such as Klasse, can pass through corona charging, perhaps United States Patent (USP) 4,798, the 850 disclosed that kind as authorizing Brown are given fiber through triboelectric charging with electric charge.In addition, can additive be included in the fiber, so that strengthen the fibroreticulate strainability processed through the water mise-a-la-masse method (referring to the United States Patent (USP) 5,908,598 of authorizing people such as Rousseau).Especially can fluorine atom be arranged on the fiber surface in the filter course, to improve the strainability in the mist of oil environment, referring to United States Patent (USP) 6,398,847 B1,6,397,458 B1 and 6,409 that authorize people such as Jones, 806 B1.The typical basis weight of electret BMF filter course for about 10-100 restrain/square metre.When according to the charging of the technology described in (for example) ' 507 patents, and during the fluorine atom of in being included in the patent of authorizing people such as Jones, mentioning, basic weight can be respectively about 20 to 40g/m ²And about 10 to 30g/m ²

Can use interior nerve of a covering, thereby obtain contacting the smooth surface of wearer's face, and can use outer nerve of a covering, to collect the loose fiber in the mask body or to obtain aesthetic.Though nerve of a covering does not usually provide the filtration beneficial effect of any essence to filtration, when the outside that is arranged on filter course (or upper reaches), it can be used as prefilter.In order to obtain the comfortableness of suitable degree, interior nerve of a covering preferably has less relatively basic weight, and is formed by meticulous relatively fiber.More particularly, can nerve of a covering be formed and have about 5 to 50g/m ²(typically be 10 to 30g/m ²) basic weight, and the fiber number of fiber is less than 3.5 daniers (typically be less than 2 daniers, more typically for less than 1 danier, but greater than 0.1 danier).The fiber that in nerve of a covering, uses has about 5 microns to 24 microns fiber diameter usually, typically is about 7 microns to 18 microns, is more typically about 8 microns to 12 microns.The nerve of a covering material can have to a certain degree elasticity (during fracture common but nonessential be 100 to 200%), and plastically deformable.

The suitable material that is used for nerve of a covering is blowing microfibre (BMF) material, especially a polyolefin BMF material, for example polypropylene BMF material (comprise polypropylene miser, and also comprise polypropylene and poly mixture).The suitable technology that manufacturing is used for the BMF material of nerve of a covering is seen and is set forth in the United States Patent (USP) 4,013,816 of authorizing people such as Sabee.Can be through fiber collecting be formed net at smooth surface (typically being on the ganoid cylinder).Also can use spun-bonded fibre.

Typical nerve of a covering can through polypropylene comprise 50 weight % or more polypropylene/the polyolefin blend of poly propylene process.Have been found that these materials can provide the flexibility and the comfortableness of high level to the wearer, and when filtering material is polypropylene BMF material, can under the situation that does not need adhesive between the layer, maintain on the filtering material securely.The polyolefine material that is applicable to nerve of a covering can comprise for example single mixture of planting polypropylene, two kinds of polyacrylic mixture, polypropylene and poly mixture, polypropylene and gathering (4-methyl-1-pentene), and/or the mixture of polypropylene and polybutene.An example that is used for the fiber of nerve of a covering is the polypropylene BMF that is processed by the acrylic resin that derives from Exxon Corporation " Escorene 3505G ", and it provides about 25g/m ²Basic weight and the fiber number in 0.2 to 3.1 scope (mean value of on 100 fibers, measuring about 0.8).Another kind of suitable fiber is polypropylene, polyethylene BMF (mixture by " Exact 4023 " ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer that comprises 85% " Escorene 3505G " resin and 15% that derives from Exxon Corporation is equally processed), and it has about 25g/m ²Basic weight and about 0.8 average fineness.Suitable spunbonded type material can trade name " Corosoft Plus 20 ", " Corosoft Classic 20 " and " Corovin PP-S-14 " derives from Corovin GmbH (Peine; Germany); The polypropylene of carding/viscose rayon material can trade name " 370/15 " derive from J.W.Suominen OY (Nakila, Finland).

The nerve of a covering that uses among the present invention preferably has the fiber that stretches out from web surface seldom after handling, so has the smooth exterior surface face.Among the United States Patent (USP) 6,123,077 that the example of the nerve of a covering that can use in the present invention is disclosed in the United States Patent (USP) 6,041,782 of for example authorizing Angadjivand, authorize people such as Bostock and the international monopoly 96/28216A that authorizes people such as Bostock.

Instance

Method of testing

1. bending break stiffness test (SFT)

Measure the bending break stiffness of the material that is used to make supporting structure according to ASTM D 5342-97 the 12.1st joint to 12.7 joints.For this reason, cut six test specimens from the blank film, become about 25.4mm wide * the long rectangular-shaped piece of about 70mm.According to hereinafter described preparing test specimen.Be arranged to the middle test specimen of measuring of 150-E type Taber V-5 stiffness tester (deriving from Taber Corporation, 455Bryant Street, North Tonawanda, New York, 14120) of 10-100 in Taber deflection unit.Taber deflection reading during the record EOT on the device display, use following formula to calculate bending break stiffness:

The material bending strength according to ASTM D5342-97 the 12.1st joint to 12.7 joint measurements of Taber deflection=record.

Width=with the film specimen width that cm representes, it is 2.54cm.

Thickness=use standard digital display calliper is along the length of the material test specimen average thickness of representing with cm in the position measurement of five spaced at equal intervals.

Get the mean value of the bending break stiffness of these six samples, obtain bending break stiffness.

2. respirator stretches test (RET)

Stretch the peak load and the hysteresis thereof of respirator down through this thermometrically 30% stretching.The dynamic property of these parameter characterization piece respirator support structures.The pliability (or anti-extensibility) of vertical dimension upper support structure under peak load tolerance under 30% stretching is stretched dynamically stretches.The peak load value is low more to show that the respirator stretching, extension is easy more.Hysteresis is that supporting structure can not be got back to measuring of its original shape or state when the power that causes shape or state variation has removed.Therefore, for the present invention, lower hysteresis is required.Use Instron 4302 universal material testers (deriving from InstronCorporation, 100 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts, 02021) to measure 30% stretching and stretch the peak load under lagging behind.In this test, use Instron Merlin data acquisition software (also deriving from Instron Corporation) to gather a secondary data in per 1 second.In the Instron testing equipment, set " gauge length ", make its equal the longitudinal length of mask body under lax or unstress state (D, Fig. 7).For respirator of the present invention, gauge length is set at 114mm.For commercially available Moldex 2200 N 95 respirators, gauge length is set at 127mm.To be set under the crosshead speed of 254mm per minute 30% stretching, extension to three loop tests of each test specimen.For each circulation, data acquisition software generates peak load and hysteresis data, and elongation strain (%) and the relation of loading.

As shown in Figure 7, before test, 51mm is long, that 25.4mm is wide, 0.76mm is thick high density polyethylene (HDPE) (HDPE) film band 76 (derives from Loose Plastic Inc; 3132 West Dale Road; Beaverton, MI, 48612) be sewn onto the top and the bottom central of mask body 12.HDPE film 76 is connected to mask body 12, the feasible shape that keeps respirator.Through placing a slice film in inside and externally placing a slice film; Along separated time 29 is connected to the top and the bottom central of respirator with two HDPE films 76, so that the power of being executed is through mask body 12 distribute more equably (rather than only being applied to inside or outside).Use derives from Stanley Bostitch, EastGreenwich, and the thick material STANLEY suture 78 (12.7mm) of RI 02818 is sewn to HDPE film 76 on the finished product respirator.Through on respirator, realizing the stretching, extension that stretches with " y " direction of principal axis pulling lug 76.For realizing 30% stretching, extension, the distance B with elongation strain during from the respirator inactive state increases to 1.3D.

3. horizontal expansion member mobile test (TEMMT)

Measure the mobile required maximum, force of horizontal expansion member through on the horizontal expansion member, applying elongation strain.Use is accomplished at the Instron 4302 universal material testers described in the modulus method of testing of preceding text should test.Gauge length between two pneumatic handles of Instron testing equipment is set at 114mm.At first, two horizontal expansion members are set under their the slack interval distance, it is 5mm in this case.Then, two horizontal expansion members are drawn back to apply elongation strain above that.On member, apply elongation strain, up to them apart from baseline starting point or " inactive state " about at most 3.5cm.Distance along the central line measurement stretching, extension.Crosshead speed with the 254mm per minute applies elongation strain.The zero-base that the 5mm gap of initial inactive state is set at this test on schedule.Inactive state is the horizontal expansion member is not having residing position when stressed.Then, through the gap that opens and closes between two members each test specimen is tested three times.Collect the power of each circulation and the relation data of distance.

Sample preparation

1. bending break stiffness is tested test specimen

Use is mixed to the test specimen that the same compound component of polymer that is used to make piece respirator support structure together prepares the bending break stiffness test.Referring to table 2, obtain the polymer composition that is used for supporting structure.Use 40 (40) digest compound prepare radius as 114mm, thick be 0.51 to 0.64mm circular membrane.Pour first 40 gram composite into twin-screw roller sword 6 type BRABENDER banburies (deriving from C.W.Brabender instruments Inc., 50 East Wesley Street, P.O.Box2127, South Hackensack, NJ, 07606).With the speed of 75 rpms (RPM) and 185 ℃ temperature operation banbury.With the compound after about 10 minutes of fusing, with the power extruding mixture of 44.5 thousand Ns (KN) with process diameter be 114mm, thick be 0.51 to 0.64mm flat circular film.Heating platen with being set to 149 ℃ is suppressed.Heating platen is 30 tons of pressure forming machines of Genesis (derive from WABASH Equipments 1569 Morris Street, P.0.Box 298, Wabash, IN 46992).Before carrying out bending break stiffness test, with film be cut into the required 25.4mm of being of a size of wide * the long test specimen of 70mm.

2. the manufacturing of piece respirator support structure

Use standard molding process prepares the sample of piece respirator support structure.Make single chamber formpiston and former at the tool manufacturer place, make the geometry of the framework shown in its coupling Fig. 1-2.Under relaxed state, or when supporting structure is also on mould, be 114mm to the bottom through the top of measuring supporting structure, a side is 120mm to opposite side.When respirator was in unstress state, the straight line between the straight line between the highs and lows and two the activity pivot point was measured on the periphery respectively.The target thickness that constitutes the member of supporting structure is 2.5 millimeters.The horizontal expansion member has trapezoidal cross-section, more easily removes from mould to allow supporting structure.The horizontal expansion element cross-section amasss about 4 to 12mm ².

Scope in.With condition shown in the table 1 and set point, in molding process, use 110 tons of Toshiba VIS-6 moulding press to make supporting structure:

Table 1

Piece respirator support structure injection molding condition

Process conditions	Set point	Unit
			Circulation timei
	40	Second
			Inject time	3	Second
Filling time	0.86	Second
			Charging interval	1-2	Second
Cool time
		12	Second
Injection pressure				276	MPa
	Barrel temperature (nozzle, front portion, middle part and rear portion)	204	Degree centigrade

Mix with will be listed in the table below 2 combination of polymers of specified wt percentage, to obtain the required physical characteristic of supporting structure.

Table 2

The supporting structure composition

* the content that accounts for total compsn is lower than 1 weight %.

3. the manufacturing of respirator filtration

The respirator filtration is formed by the wide non woven fibre electret filter material of two-layer 254mm, and they are laminated between the white non woven fibre spunbonded materials internal layer of the outer and 22gsm of the white non woven fibre spunbonded materials of one 50 of same widths gram every square metre (gsm).Two-layer non woven fibre spunbonded materials is processed by polypropylene.Electret filter material is the standard filtering material that is used for 3M 8511 N95 respirators.The fleece blank that layer is closed is cut into the long sheet material of 254mm to form square, forms the cup-shaped form of three-dimensional (3D) the pleat crape with horizontal expansion in whole filtration then.

As shown in Figure 8, wherein dotted line is represented broken line, and solid line is represented bonding wire (or line of demarcation 53a and 53b among Fig. 4), forms the 3D pleat crape (42, Fig. 2 a and Fig. 2 b) of complicacy through curve 53a, the 53b of two same curvature radiuses of ultra-sonic welded (radius of 258.5mm).Distance on each curve between the peak is 40mm, and end points (at a distance of about 202mm) meets in the left and right sides at the two ends of curve.An edge apart from layer condensating fiber net forms the first curve 53b along the filter medium that first broken line, 80 foldable layers close in the 76mm place at least.The fleece that closes through (its apart from the first broken line 8062mm) foldable layer and form the second curve 53a along the welding of second curve at second broken line, 82 places.Behind two curves that formed formation 3D pleat crape, remove the outside excess stock of curve.Then, fold stratified materials and weld line of demarcation 60 (Fig. 4) along vertical center line 84, as shown in Figure 8, this line of demarcation is from the center 51mm beginning of distance second curve.This step can be removed any unnecessary material and form and appropriately is fitted in cup-shaped in the piece respirator support structure.Use ultrasonic bonding to weld.Air pressure with peak power pattern, 100% amplitude and 483MPa uses Branson 2000ae ultrasonic welding system and power supply.

4. other respirator assemblies

The face seal of face seal: standard 3M 4000 serial respirators.

Nose clip: standard 3M 8210 Plus N 95 respirator nose clips.

Headband: standard 3M 8210 Plus N 95 respirator headband materials, but be white.Removed the yellow uitramarine of 3M 8210 Plus respirator headbands.

Clasp: the clasp similar with the knapsack clasp has comfort conditioned is carried out in permission to headband materials flexible hinge.

5. respirator assembly

The face seal material is cut into the sheet material of about 140mm * 180mm.Then, use Die cutting tool to form the elliptical openings of 125mm * 70mm in face seal central authorities.The face seal that will have center cutout is connected on the respirator filtration of preparation as stated.The identical device that will be used for ultra-sonic welded filter element structure is used for similarly under the process conditions face seal being fixed to filtration.The weldering anvil has the elliptical shape that about 168mm is wide, 114mm is long.After joining face seal to filtration, remove the excess stock beyond the bonding wire.Nose clip is attached to the outside of the filtration that assembles across the nasal region.Then, pre-assembled filter element is inserted supporting structure with its required orientation.Strategically complicated 3D pleat crape is arranged between the horizontal expansion member 26 and 28 shown in Fig. 2 a and Fig. 2 b.Use hand-held Branson E-150 ultrasonic welding system the weld interval of the output with 100% and 1.0 seconds, between supporting structure and filtration, produce the abutment with 20 to 25mm interval along each horizontal expansion member.In the above and below of movable hinge 44, use the thick material STANLEY of 12.7mm suture on the both sides of supporting structure four stature buckle being sewn on the band tool flange 35.The braiding head carrying material that 450mm is long passes clasp, thereby accomplishes the assembling process of respirator.

For comparing, also stretching test according to above-mentioned respirator can be from Moldex MetricInc. to five, and 10111 W.Jefferson Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232 are purchased the Moldex 2200N 95 respirator samples of acquisition and test.Moldex 2200 serial respirators have Dura-Mesh ^TMShell, this shell stretches through being designed under wet heat condition, to resist.Use the porous flexible plastic layer in the United States Patent (USP) 4,850,347 (Skov) of Moldex, to describe to some extent as the Moldex face shield of shell.

Test result

1. bending break stiffness

Listed composite parts in the option table 2 is with required structural property and the pliability of coupling supporting structure.The bending break stiffness of the support materials of calculating is listed in the table below in 3:

Table 3

Piece respirator support structure material bending deflection

Test specimen	Thickness (cm)	Taber deflection (gcm)	Bending break stiffness (MPa)
				1	0.0627	14.5	173
2	0.0594	16.9	230
				3	0.0561	11.9	199
4	0.0508	9.3	209
				5	0.0546	11.3	205
6	0.0541	10.7	196
				Mean value	0.0563	12.4	202
Standard deviation	0.042	2.8	18.7

Listed data show that the bending break stiffness of support materials is about 200MPa in the table 3.

2. the physical property of finished product

On the finished product respirator mask, use above-mentioned respirator to stretch test, measurement makes mask body that the hysteresis of required maximum, force of 30% extending longitudinally and supporting structure take place.

I. the peak load that respectively circulates

Through the record used maximum, force that respectively circulates, measure and stretch the required peak load of respirator 30%.

Table 4

The maximum, force data

Data shown in the table 4 show, compare with Moldex 2200 respirators, realize that the required power of stretching stretching, extension of mask body generation 30% of the present invention wants much little.

Hysteresis after ii.30% vertically stretches

Table 5

The hysteresis data

Data in the table 5 illustrate, and compare with commercially available Moldex 2200 respirators, and respirator of the present invention shows obviously littler hysteresis.That is to say to have on each side of face shield all the respirator of the supporting structure of use activity hinge and show when stretching force stops the obviously bigger ability of returning its original state.

Iii. the relation of elongation strain percentage and load

" elongation strain (%) and the relation of loading " data are plotted on the curve map.The data of drawing are shown in Fig. 9.Can find out obviously that from the data of drawing for respirator is stretched for 30%, the required load of respirator of the present invention is obviously littler.

Iv. horizontal expansion member traverse measurement

According to preceding text sample preparation chapters and sections, prepare five piece respirator support structures.For eliminating the interference of self-supporting structure remainder, use the HDPE symphysis that the thick material STANLEY of the 12.7mm suture that derives from Stanley Bostitch is wide with above-mentioned 24.5mm, 76mm is long to receive on the horizontal expansion member (26 and 28, Fig. 1, Fig. 2 a, Fig. 2 b).

Use above-mentioned method of testing to measure horizontal expansion member 26 and the 28 required power that vertically move supporting structure from inactive state.Power listed in the following table 6 is represented the required power of horizontal expansion member that stretches in the vertical.

Table 6

The TEMMT data

Extending longitudinally distance (mm) apart from neutral resting position	The power (N) of first circulation	The power (N) of second circulation	The power (N) of the 3rd circulation
				5	0.3	0.2	0.2
10	0.3	0.3	0.3
				15	0.4	0.4	0.3
20	0.5	0.4	0.4
				25	0.5	0.5	0.5
30	0.6	0.6	0.6
				35	0.7	0.7	0.6

Listed data show in the table 6 only needs very little power will separate through the horizontal expansion member that movable hinge is bonded together.Figure 10 shows the curve map of these data.

Under the premise without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, can carry out various modifications and change to the present invention.Therefore, the present invention is not limited to such scheme, but receives the control of the restriction of following claims and the proposition of any equivalent thereof.

The present invention can also not exist this paper suitably not implement under the situation of specifically described any element.

All patents and the patent application of more than quoting are included in the background technology chapters and sections those, and all way of reference is incorporated this paper in full.If exist between the disclosure in incorporating file into and the above-mentioned specification and conflict or be not inconsistent, more than state specification and be as the criterion.

Claims

1. filtering face-piece respirator comprises:

(a) band tool;

(b) mask body, said mask body comprises:

(i) filtration, said filtration comprises filter course; With

(ii) supporting structure; Said supporting structure comprises the first relative lateral parts and the first movable hinge on second lateral parts and the second movable hinge that is positioned at said supporting structure; The said first movable hinge and the said second movable hinge include first member and second member, and said first member and said second member can move at itself and said movable hinge joint away from each other.

2. filtering face-piece respirator according to claim 1, the wherein said first movable hinge and the said second movable hinge help the longitudinally extending ability of said mask body.

3. filtering face-piece respirator according to claim 1, the wherein said first movable hinge and the said second movable hinge all have can respond power that respirator produces between the normal operating period and away from each other first member and second member.

4. filtering face-piece respirator according to claim 1; The wherein said first movable hinge and the said second movable hinge all have spaced apart and can be at least in part through around the said first movable hinge and the said second movable hinge rotation and toward each other or first member of opposing motion and second member, can not cause damage when realizing this type games to said first member and said second member or the said first movable hinge and the said second movable hinge.

5. filtering face-piece respirator according to claim 4, wherein, when standing 0.2 newton's only power, said first member and said second member can be moved beyond 5 mm distance from resting position.

6. filtering face-piece respirator according to claim 1, wherein, when standing respirator stretching, extension test, said supporting structure shows the hysteresis less than 7%.

7. filtering face-piece respirator according to claim 1; Wherein, Said supporting structure comprises that at least one extends to the member of the said second movable hinge from the said first movable hinge; When standing to be merely the horizontal expansion member mobile test of 0.7 newton or littler power, said member can vertically move 5 to 35 mm distance in centerline and can not cause structural failure to said member or to any of the said first movable hinge and the said second movable hinge.

8. filtering face-piece respirator according to claim 1, wherein, when said respirator stood respirator and stretches test, said mask body can stretch nearly 20 millimeters and can not cause damage to arbitrary movable hinge in centerline.

9. filtering face-piece respirator according to claim 1; Wherein said supporting structure comprises polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, polymethylpentene and their mixture or combination, and said supporting structure is to be that the material of 75 to 300 MPas is processed by bending break stiffness.

10. filtering face-piece respirator according to claim 9, wherein said supporting structure are to be that the material of 100 to 250 MPas is processed by bending break stiffness.

11. filtering face-piece respirator according to claim 9, wherein said supporting structure are to be that the material of 175 to 225 MPas is processed by bending break stiffness.

12. filtering face-piece respirator according to claim 1, the wherein said first movable hinge and the said second movable hinge all have roughly U-shaped configuration.

13. filtering face-piece respirator according to claim 1, the wherein said first movable hinge and the said second movable hinge all have pouch shape configuration.

14. filtering face-piece respirator according to claim 1, wherein said supporting structure comprise at least two movable hinges on each side of said mask body.

15. filtering face-piece respirator according to claim 1; Wherein said mask body comprises that the band tool flange of first on each side that is positioned at said mask body and the second band tool flange are to allow being with tool to be fixed on the said band tool flange; And when from the said mask body of said viewed, the said first movable hinge and the said second movable hinge all are arranged between said first band tool flange and the said second band tool flange.

16. filtering face-piece respirator according to claim 1, the wherein said first movable hinge and the said second movable hinge have S shape configuration.

17. filtering face-piece respirator according to claim 1, each of the wherein said first movable hinge and the said second movable hinge is connected to first member and second member 3 or more a plurality of position.

18. a method for preparing filtering face-piece respirator, said method comprises:

(a) supporting structure is provided; Said supporting structure comprises the first relative side and the first movable hinge on second side and the second movable hinge that is positioned at said supporting structure; The said first movable hinge and the said second movable hinge include first member and second member, and said first member and said second member can move at itself and said movable hinge joint away from each other;

(b) filtration is joined on the said supporting structure to form mask body; And

(c) will be with tool to be fixed on the said mask body.